Earth and Fire: Torn Metal M Triptych

These pieces are made of 85 percent abaca fiber handmade paper. When the pieces have dried they are painted with gesso on all sides to seal the paper. Joint compound is covering only the top and bottom for about three inches. The joint compound is then sanded, copper leafed and then painted burnt umber to create a rich copper look. The center of each piece is covered with actually torn copper pieces, which the artist has fired individually in a wood burning stove or patined. Many of the pieces have been corrugated, hammered or bent and then they are flattened out again. Young uses a thin layer of wax over the metal surfaces to blend all the colors and to bring out the richness of the metal.

The use of handmade paper for the canvas of the piece gives an organic feel to the piece and the added benefit is that the work very light for hanging.This set of work weights about 7lb. in total. The pieces are wired and hung without a frame. Each piece is unique one of a kind and will vary slightly.